Degree Name

Department

NACO controlled Corporate Body

First Advisor

Dr. Paul Eason

Second Advisor

Dr. Murat Tiryakioğlu

Third Advisor

Dr. Juan Aceros

Department Chair

Dr. Murat Tiryakioğlu

College Dean

Dr. Mark A. Tumeo

Abstract

Aluminum alloy 6061-T6 is a common engineering material used in aerospace, automotive, structural applications. Despite its wide use, little has been published about the effects of damage from surface corrosion on its fatigue life. An investigation was performed where 6061-T6 extrusions were exposed to a 3.5% NaCl solution at pH 2 for 2 days and 24 days. The length of time and pH were chosen in order to create distinct surface flaws. The effect of these flaws on the fatigue life was then investigated and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Weibull statistics. It was determined that samples corroded for both 2-days and 24-days exhibit fatigue lives that can be described using a 3-parameter Weibull distribution. The result of which was the determination of a threshold value for fatigue as well a general understanding of flaw geometry.